Don’t know where to visit in Matsue? Just go everywhere!

Matsue City, dubbed as both the “Land of the Gods” and “Venetia of Japan”, has such deep history and beautiful scenery that it is almost impossible to fully experience every aspect of it in a few days.
Since I never plan any of my trips, it’s sometimes hard to know which places to go, especially when there is little information about the area. So here’s a one-day plan for indecisive people like me. The national treasure, Matsue castle, wagashi, matcha, Izumo soba, and a boat ride around the Matsue castle.

Kyomise and Karakoro Square

Horikawa boat ride

Kyomise has had numerous renovations for the past few years, turning it into a fancy district with cute little shops on every block. How about stepping into a Karakoro Workshop to make magatama, a good luck charm in Matsue, or start off your trip by following the white brick road?
The Karakoro Square is a perfect place to start off your excursion in Matsue!

Let’s go to the Matsue Castle!

Matsue Castle

After enjoying a breezy ride on the Horikawa Meguri, get off at Otemachi-mae. The Matsue Castle, now designated as a part of the Japanese National treasures, has all the hints and keys that explain local people’s lives since ancient times. You can observe the entire city of Matsue from the the top of the castle tower.
Be careful not to slip off the steep, vertical staircases inside the castle! They are so steep that one small misstep can send you flying down to the lower floor.

Stop by the Jouzan Inari Shrine if you have time. About a thousand stone fox statues surround the shrine.

Take a walk around Shiomi-Nawate

The old pines of Shiomi-Nawate

Old Samurai House

Once you get off at Shiomi-Nawate, nostalgic Japan awaits. A samurai residence is kept in mint condition since its use, and a tea ceremony house still serves wagashi and matcha from the 18th century Edo period. Koizumi Yakumo, a renown Irish-American author who wrote many Japanese horror stories and books on Japanese culture back in the 19th century, is still celebrated today and his residence is now open to the public.
The Tanabe museum was built to fit this old street in Shiomi-Nawate, and exhibits Lord Fumai’s tea ceremony equipment. Fully experience Japanese tea ceremony at Meimeian, or take a break at Furyudo’s cafe right beside the lush green castle moat. Looking for more tea ceremonies? Here’s a list of places you can try it out.

Feeling hungry? Try Izumo’s special soba at Yakumo-an, or any of the other soba restaurants available around Matsue castle.

Izumo’s special soba

Just walking by the castle moat and its beautiful greenery is relaxing. Breathe in the quiet atmosphere and enjoy the peaceful time drift by.

Seize the soaring sunset for yourself

Chances are, all the walking might have left you worn out, but wait before going back to your hotel.
The breathtaking sunsets will blow you away!sunset Sit on the huge lawn stretching across the shore, watching the sun slowly sink into the waves of Lake Shinji. What a way to end the day!

Lake Shinji

Lake Shinji

If there’s some time left after the sun sets, check out the exhibit at The Art Museum of Shimane Prefecture, the largest museum in Shimane!

The areas listed above are only a few of the places to visit in Matsue. If you have some time in the city the next day, it is well worth your time to visit Kamosu Shrine, where all the gods gather.Kamosu Shrine